Gear Zone Buzz: Epoch Lacrosse Dragonfly Shafts

Last month Epoch Lacrosse released their 2013 line of Drgonfly shafts, but it wasn't until recently when ILGear got our hands on the new poles, that we were able to see and feel the quality and craftsmanship that goes into these handles.

Technology You Can See and Feel

Their ACL II is what separates Epoch shafts from conventional products. Epoch achieves this by layering carbon fiber in a specific manner, allowing them to control several aspects of the shaft's performance. This technology is what allows Epoch to have the ability to adjust and vary the stiffness profile, commonly referred to as flex, of each shaft.

A shaft's stiffness profile can be measured vertically (front to back), laterally (side to side) and torsionally (twisting). Epoch has taken their technology beyond simply having a shaft flex vertically and has also focused on controlling how the shaft flexes from side to side. Along with the vertical and lateral flex, Epoch is also mindful of torsional flex.

A conventional shaft, whether carbon fiber or alloy, will experience a certain amount of flex when passing and shooting. Often this flex is uncontrolled and inconsistent, but with ACL II, Epoch can control the stiffness profile of each shaft to maximize the performance and playability of them. "With the addition of flex, we can increase the offset of the head when passing and shooting to provide additional hold and whip. This is a dynamic function of the shaft; the harder a player shoots and/or passes, the more flex they feel," said James Miceli (@jamesmiceli), Principal of Epoch Lacrosse. "However, it is important that we are mindful of how the shaft feels and performs when it is flexing as well as what happens after the shaft flexes," James continues.

When a load is introduced through passing and shooting, a shaft will flex. Epoch's ACL II is designed to make the shaft return to its un-flexed position, which is called recovery. Ryan Hurley (@ryanhurley26), National Sales Rep for Epoch adds, “When working with the engineers, we not only care about the shaft flexing backward during the wind up of a shot, but also about the performance of the shaft when it is in recovery or returning to the starting position towards the release point. We understand the science behind this and study the force a shaft experiences during the complete act of shooting."

Epoch also places great importance on the "feel" of each shaft. They believe that above all, each shaft needs to feel right, regardless of the level of the player. As they grow the line, it is vital to them to continue to use their Optimal Feel Design to continue evolving the shafts. Epoch is also introducing their Slip/Grip II, a more durable, textured clear coat for their 2013 lineup. "At Epoch, we continue to offer the industry leading one year warranty on all our shafts. So play hard; we will back you up!", adds Jessica Alexander, the Director of Customer Service and Community Relations.
Cosmetically, the Dragonfly continues to raise the bar with Epoch's high concept, minimalistic design, now offered in both a matte white and matte black version, with a foil finished pin stripe from top to bottom. Creative Director of The Found (Epoch's agency of record), further explains "Based on our extensive research in the field, we chose a design aesthetic that was not only unique to the lacrosse industry but also complemented the performance and technology of the Dragonfly shafts."

The 2013 Men's Dragonfly Shafts

The 2013 men's Dragonfly line includes a total of seven shafts. In the 30” Attack/Middie length, Epoch offers four shafts with unique geometry, giving players the ability to choose one that “feels” right for them. Each shaft is available in both black and white at $130 (US MSRP).

The C30 and the X30 return to the 2013 lineup with increased performance, lighter weight, ACL II, Slip/Grip II as well as best-in-class durability and strength-to-weight ratio. The C30 offers a standard concave geometry while the X30 offers an Xtreme Concave geometry for players who like distinct ridges and edges.

Joining the Dragonfly series of shafts, are the E30 and F30, offering players two new cross- sections. The E30 offers a new geometry, designed for players who want optimal control and “feel". Because of the extremely positive response Epoch received in their advanced prototype testing period, they decided to bring this ergonomic geometry to market.

The F30 is a throwback cross-section, created with modern materials. The flat geometry was created as the result of the popularity of Epoch’s Titanium alloy from their 2012 lineup.

The Epoch Dragonfly R60 (US MSRP $200) is 60” in length and has revolutionized the long pole. The lightweight design and durability has made the R60 the choice of advanced players from high school to the pro’s. The performance of the shaft is unmatched with it’s relaxed concave geometry, allowing players to keep their hands loose and fast. For 2013, Epoch has tweaked the carbon fiber and improved the durability, particularly in the slash zone, without adding weight.

The R40 is Epoch's industry-leading goalie shaft. Designed specifically with goalies in mind, the R40 has become the choice shaft for goalies at every level of the game. The relaxed concave shape keeps goalies hand loose and fast and will continue to test shooters in 2013.

Rounding out Epoch's Dragonfly lineup is their Box shaft, the Dragonfly C32B, designed for the specific performance demands of Box Lacrosse. Lightweight, fast and durable, this shaft is an instant hit with the "Boxla" crowd.

About Epoch Lacrosse (@epochlax): Epoch Lacrosse delivers the finest manufactured lacrosse equipment designed to increase playability and maximize performance by using world class materials and techniques. Developed in collaboration with True Temper Sports, Epoch shafts are made from the highest grade materials available. They have tested and retested each design to ensure durability, playability and performance are optimized. Their goal is simple; to give the player every opportunity to reach their true potential. Live. Play. Be.